The UK is getting a new national forest – here is where it will be planted
The UK government has announced the location of a new national forest set to be planted in the United Kingdom.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed that a new national forest would be planted in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
This is the second of three new national forests promised in the current government’s election manifesto, following the announcement of the Western Forest earlier this year.
The exact location of the Ox-Cam national forest is yet to be confirmed and is currently in discussion with partners.
DEFRA said the forest would be accompanied by new homes, jobs, and infrastructure in the year, developing the area while also improving its natural beauty.
The third forest promised by the government is set to be created in the Midlands or North of England. Its exact location will be determined by a competition launched early next year, which will give the public an opportunity to determine the site for the new forest.
Millions of trees will be planted in the coming years to create these national forests and as part of a wider commitment by the government to allocate over £1 billion this parliament to the forestry sector.
A new Woodland Carbon Purchase Fund is also being explored, which would offer upfront payments to landowners to plant carbon-rich woodlands, which would help the UK meet its net zero targets.
The government said that further details on both the second and third new national forests would be announced early next year.
“Our woodlands are vital for regulating our climate, supporting wildlife and increasing access to nature for us all,” said Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
“We are delivering on our manifesto commitment with three new National Forests in the West Country, a second between Oxford and Cambridge and we will launch a competition for a third next year,” Reynolds said.
“Our ambitious tree planting programme will help unlock growth, restore nature and create green jobs for the future – all part of the Plan for Change.”
